#although I'm not that optimistic

[warrior-of-sunlight]

The exit poll of the Dutch elections is very disheartening.

[aphelea]

somehow i feel like reading this book as someone who is very very far from being a keefe fan made it easier

[ruhrohherewego]

when i say cass cain deserves the world i mean she should be the type where someone asks her how she did/got something and she’s just like “cause i want it to happen/come to me :)“ she can just. manifest it. i think as she healed she would have the most capacity to be positive about things and find a lot of joy in simple, mundane stuff. the family thinks that she has some sort of lucky charm but she just has a positive mindset kajdjksjdkfj

[italictext]

Nothing like happily celebrating new year with your family knowing that in 2 months you'll reveal the secret that could wreck the family and they might never experience this again 💕💖

[midnight-drip]

folks my dm has told me I have full permission to have my character occasionally say quotes from Open Arms in his campaign that I'm joining soon >:))

[mangoisms]

did a 3-act outline for arañita wip... both the first fic and the second (the sequel which is so weird to me) and i think. we are ready to begin

at a good place with my reading for tim that i think i can stop; might need to reread red robin (2009) since the story will pick up shortly immediately after that but that's fine. i'll still keep reading but it's not gonna be like. The main thing stopping me. i finished reading no man's land which was the biggest obstacle and i outlined everything so.... it is Time

[shelleysmary]

barry and succession were great at tragedy, but i’ve decided i need a palate cleanser from dudes writing (admittedly stellar) shows based upon the premise “people don’t change - but they can sure get worse!” like, heal me, mother. i believe in cycles breaking and people changing. women get it.

[leaf-line]

𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥

Yandere! Jiaoqiu X Gn! Reader

❏ Jiaoqiu finds himself enjoying your company that he wants to extend it more.

cw: might be lore inaccurate, might be ooc, a hint of angst, you being called annoying, force feeding, mentions of pinning, no beta we die like Tingyun, written in Jiaoqiu's pov + he doesn't talk, pls don't be confused, reader is loud.

w/c: 962

Immortality is a crime... No, rather, it's a sin.

"Alchemy Commission... Agh—!! Where was that place again?! Wait a minute... Hey there! You! The pretty foxian boy with pink hair!"

Jiaoqiu finds it hard to believe that a human like you were accepted into a prestigious place such as the Alchemy Commission. You weren't even a Xianzhou Native, just a regular human. Why did he even try to put an effort into knowing who you were? Maybe it was because apart of him was curious about you and why the hell were you so loud? Honestly, he shouldn't have.

"Ohhhh, so this was the place, wow, I could've sworn I've ran into here multiple times before, why didn't I see it? Speaking of which, can you even actually see that? Why are your eyes closed?"

He wasn't exactly sure why he welcomed you so easily into his life. To put it into words... You were eccentric, goofy, and a slacker with no sense of direction, you speak out loud what's on your mind, no matter the place and time.

"Alas, we meet again, blind foxian... So you're my senior? But you're so short—"

You were blunt, sometimes it was funny, sometimes it was annoying. But Jiaoqiu never heard you tell a lie ever since the first time he met you. Although if he ever hears you call him any more honest insults, he's gonna spike your lunch with one of his handmade concoctions.

"Noooo!! Please! I don't want to memorize another set of ingredients for a different medicine!! Have mercy!!!"

And did he mention that you were loud? He'd be lying if he said he didn't find it entertaining, since the people there were so serious and gloomy. You were like the clown of the class, and Jiaoqiu was simply there to be entertained.

"You mean to say that in your own eyes, you think that food is medicine? That's... Super interesting!!"

...That wasn't a lie right? Well, Jiaoqiu hoped so. You were cheerful, upbeat, and optimistic at some times, he's yet to be accustomed by that kind of personality.

"Oh, yeah, sure I'll have a taste of your cookings, leave it to me! I'm a good food critique!"

Have a taste, he says. He doesn't know what you will reply. Will you tell him it tastes garbage? Will you tell him it's the most godsend food you've ever tasted in your life? He doesn't know, not unless he tries to have you eat it. At some point you were brutally honest it hurts him through the gut, but surely at some point when he impresses you, it would feel rewarding, right?

"This straight up tastes awful, this one is painfully bland, and this is, hmm... Let me taste again, ...mmmm!! It's super delicious!"

Was it a wrong choice when he interacted with you more? No, otherwise he would have felt so much joy in a long while. Bit by bit, you warmed up your way into his heart, securing a comfortable place in it. There was a saying that the way into person's was through their stomach, so why was it when the more he poured into your stomach and the more he was successful at making you happy, the more was being poured into HIS own heart?

"Jiaoqiu... Thanks a lot."

The second you were calm and silent. Aeons, you were adorable, beautiful, handsome and majestic in your own way that Idrilla would be jealous. He wanted nothing more but to cup your cheeks with his hands and connect your lips to his own. He wanted to hug you dearly, bask in your touch, bask in your scent. But he holds himself to the ground, after all, looking at the picturesque scene in front of him will suffice more than enough.

"What do you mean my hair is turning white? I'm still young you know?"

...Oh. Did time fly that fast when he's having fun? Was it this early for someone he would willingly hold dearly to part ways with him soon enough? Or was time just cruelly toying him? How could he even forget that you were a short-life specie, just how?

"Ugh... Sorry and thank you, Jiaoqiu. I mean, for taking care of me, I'm still really sick, my body is just getting weaker and weaker by the day... I don't know why..."

Time is running out. Why was his time with you getting cut short? Why? Why? No. He's gonna fix this, he can. All he wants is a little more time with you, can't he have that? He doesn't want to feel lonely again. Please... Stay...

"Jiaoqiu... Are you okay? You've been stuffing your nose into books all day. I just... Have a feeling your doing something suspicious, don't get me wrong, I'm not accusing you, I'm just worried."

Immortality is a sin, he knows that, he knows it all too well. The only way to achieve it is through the flesh of an Emanator of Abundance. The last time that went... Didn't go well. Fuck around with immortality and there will be a cost... That he's willing to pay, unfortunately for you. All he needed is to make a medicine that will ensure you to live longer, even if you become mara-struck, it doesn't matter.

"Are you sure this medicine is safe? I don't think that it is..."

Aeons! Just consume it will you!? Do you know how hand it took him to get his hands in these things!? Do you want him to strip naked and beg you to consume it!? You want him to pin you and shove it down your throat!?

Jiaoqiu wouldn't really consider himself sinful... So he wonders why he's dragging you into the pits of hell.

a/n: uh... this is inaccurate as hell, i barely read the lore leave me alone— 😭

[calypsocolada]

ONE MONTH | g. tomioka

synopsis: your sent to train with the ever ellusive and quiet water hashira... request: "the people yearn for a story from you that’s1. giyu x afab reader2. fluff3. something along the lines of giyu is a hashira and you’re a young swordsmen working you way up the ranks and giyu becomes fixated on you. the first reason he’ll fall for you is because you’re the first person to talk to him like you actually wanna “hear” what he has to say and doesn’t just brush him off because of how recluse he is..."author's note: helloooo is it clear that I'm a bit obsessed with giyu right now? this one goes out to you anonymous! hope I made you proud :) cw: blood, gore, fluff, fem reader wc: 5.2k

click here for my masterlist

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Giyu read over the letter again, folding it up as he stood near the train station, wind picking up as the oncoming train approached. He pocketed the letter and pushed off the pillar he was leaned against and waited for the train to pull to a stop. Ms. Kanroji was sending her new tsuguko to train with him for a month as well as accompany him on a mission the last week of the month. The love hashira claimed in her letter to see great promise in this slayer and wanted her to train with each hashira for a bit before settling on a breathing style. 

Giyu wasn’t one for partnering up, let alone training people but he owed Ms. Kanroji a favor and although she wouldn’t hold him to it he still decided to let it happen. After all, what's the worst that could happen? 

“I heard the water hashira hates people.” A girl whispered to your left as the train pulled closer to the station. You turned to her with a gentle smile.

“If he hated people he wouldn’t be a Hashira.” You implored softly. 

You’d been on a bit of a roundtrip meeting of each hashira for about four months now. So far you’d met the mist breathing hashira who let you braid his hair out of his face during training. The sound hashira who’d asked if you wanted to be his fourth wife, tempting but you had your mind set on other things in the present moment. The wind hashira who instead of verbally assaulting you like he did with all the other slayers had sighed and told you you were something promising. The serpent hashira was very kind to you. Definitely because you were Mitsuri’s tsuguko though. But still you made a good impression on him and he said in some moments you reminded him of Mitsuri. 

And now here you are, at your fifth hashira. The water hashira, Giyu Tomioka. You’d never met him in person before this training started but a boy you met at the butterfly mansion with hanafuda earrings told you he cherished Giyu as a friend.

“I knew a slayer that said she tried hard getting along with him and he wouldn’t even talk to her.” She returns with wide eyes.

“Maybe he was having an off day, you never really know what someone’s going through.” You say and the girl besides you sighs softly. You two had met at Mr. Shinazugawa’s training and she was sort of a pessimistic person. 

“You’re too optimistic.” She pouted just as the train came to a complete stop. You grabbed your things and smiled down at her.

“That’s not always a bad thing.” You give her a wave and reluctantly she waves back as you weave your way off the train. You step off, the sun low in the sky as a gentle wind pushes your hair back out of your face. 

It was easy to spot Giyu once he pushed through the crowd towards you. He was tall and lean, black coal hair and the darkest blue eyes you’d ever seen. It was like glimpsing into the ocean at midnight. You swallowed and smiled brightly, pushing the little gossip your friend had told you on the train to the back of your mind. 

“Mr. Tomioka, I’m Y/n, Ms. Kanroji’s tsuguko. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” You smiled, holding your hand out to the taller man. His eyes met yours for a moment, then looked down at your hand in the space between you. It hung there for an awkward second and just as you went to lower it he met you hand in a gentle and firm shake. You quietly sighed in relief, glad he saved you from last minute embarrassment.

“You may call me Giyu.” He says softly. Your eyes meet his as you nod your head in affirmation. You stopped yourself from saying ‘yes, sir’ thankfully as he reached a hand out for your bags. You smiled brightly as he helped you carry them.

“Thank you very much.” You beamed but he didn’t return your smile, he just turned and led the way towards his house, which you quietly took as a que to follow.

It was a short walk to the house and Giyu’s place sort of reflected him in a way. It was calm with earthy tones. Though as he showed you to your room you thought maybe a few window’s needed to be opened because you found yourself almost tripping in the darkness several times. He pulled the door open to your room and placed your bags down. 

“Make yourself at home. I’ll prepare something to eat.”

“Oh! That’s very kind… would you like my help?” You asked, setting your own bags down and turning just as he shook his head ‘no’. 

“I’ll come get you when it’s ready.” He says, leaving you in your room alone. You swallowed. So maybe the gossip about him wasn’t too far off but only time could tell. You had a habit of somehow breaking through to rough around the edges types. You thought for sure you’d never even scratch the surface of Mr. Shinazugawa but he showed you kindness near the end. And the same went for Mr. Obanai. You were the type of person that saw the good in all people, and you’d find the good in Mr. Tomioka. 

Once you finished settling in you turned just as Giyu gently knocked on your door. You opened it with a smile.

“Settled?” He asked as you nodded your head. “Dinner ready. You can eat at the table.” He says and walks the opposite way to the kitchen. You stepped out of your room.

“You’re not eating?” You asked as he paused. 

“Hmm? I ate already. Figured you’d want to eat alone.”

“Oh,” You say, turning towards the kitchen. “I wouldn’t have minded eating dinner with you. It’s quite lonely eating alone.” You say and Giyu blinks at you for a moment. As if stunned by your words. He parts his lips and seemingly searches for the right words. He clears his throat.

“I apologize,” He starts. “It’s… been a while since I’ve had anyone here.”

“It’s alright.” You beam. “Next time.” You turn and walk towards the kitchen, sitting to eat dinner. So Giyu really thought you wouldn’t even want to eat with him? Did he really think his presence was that much of a hassle? As you ate, you wondered just how long he’d been cooped up here all alone. It was quite dark in his place, nothing on the walls, no memories with his family hung up on the walls. No books well loved in a nook. No plants or anything to signify this place was even lived in. It was a sterile type of clean. If you’d walked in here unknowing of Giyu, you would’ve thought this place was vacant. You poked at your food as your mind swirled you in circles. Each of the previous Hashira’s hadn’t spoken too highly of Giyu. 

Tokito had referred to him as a decorative object, which you took to mean they didn’t speak much. Tengen outright said he was depressing to be around, that he was gloomy. Which Obanai had seconded, saying his gloomy attitude pissed him off. Sanemi thought Giyu was stuck up, that he thought he was better than anyone else. 

But you didn’t get any of that. Sure you’d only spoken to him briefly and you were here for one reason, to train. But you decided to befriend him because he didn’t seem stuck up or gloomy. He just seemed lonely. And you knew how to deal with loneliness.

In the morning Giyu woke you up before the sun even got the chance to rise. He taught you the basics of water breathing and had you run through a few trials. Giyu only spoke when he needed to. He carefully adjusted your stances, asking permission to touch you first every time. His hand would slide down your arm just under your elbow and raise it up just slightly, his hands falling down to your hips to turn them.

“Spread your feet,” He intoned and you followed instructions. He walked around the front, he’d test your swings a few times, nodding his head. “Kanroji was right about you.” He said as you two finished up for the day. You raised your brow as he handed you a cup of water.

“What’d she say?” You asked, wiping the sweat from your brow and taking a drink of your water. 

“You’re talented.” He said and when you looked at him with a smile he looked away, red faced. 

Giyu made dinner and this time you ate with him. He cooked as you washed up and you helped set the table once you were out.

“This is delicious.” You smiled. Giyu didn’t look up from his plate as he nodded his head. “Do you cook often?”

“Every night.” He answers shortly. You bite your lip, hoping you weren’t annoying him. You were just a curious person. It was silent for a moment and then Giyu surprised you. “Do you… cook?” He asks, almost a little awkwardly. You look up and he still doesn’t meet your eyes.

“I’ve learned to. I wanted to be useful for Ms. Kanroji since she’s teaching me so much so I learned to cook her favorite things.” You explain as Giyu nods.

“What about you?”

“Hmm?”

“What’s your favorite things to cook?” You smile at his question.

“I like sweet things. My mom used to make this taro bread and… I wish I could figure out her recipe but… haven’t gotten it quite yet.”

“You can’t ask her?”

“We don’t,” You clear your throat somewhat awkwardly. You didn’t want to bring down the mood so you just forced a smile. “I’ll ask next time I see her.” You looked back down at your plate and felt Giyu’s eyes on you. You could tell he saw through your lie but he didn’t ask about it. 

After almost a month of training you and Giyu set off on a mission together. You boarded the train in the morning and disembarked closer to nightfall. From what Giyu told you a demon had been rumored to have been feasting off of a small town in the mountains. It was quite the trek to the town and as you got closer you saw the dim lights. You walked a bit faster to keep stride with Giyu and cleared your throat, speaking softly. 

“It’s quiet.” 

“It’s a small town, a lot of older people reside here.” He answers as you nod your head, eyes scanning around for any sort of movement. Giyu must’ve heard something because his arm instantly extends infront to stop you. You pause your movements immediately as he moves in front of you protectively, his hand on the hilt of his katana. It was deathly quiet where you two stood. Even the trees seemed to have paused their swaying, the wind slowing. You watch Giyu take a few steps, he glanced back at you, holding out a hand. His way to tell you to stay directly behind him. You nod once and keep close to him. You hadn’t heard a thing, but the hairs on your arms stood. The air felt heavy as you slowly placed your hand on your sword, ready to yank it out when needed. The town came closer into view as you two stepped quietly on the road. It was nearing 7 p.m. and not a single soul walked around the streets. They were practically deserted. Giyu backed up and leaned close to you, his breath tickling the side of your face as he spoke. 

“Something is watching. From the trees.” He warned as your eyes immediately shot to the trees around. Still you didn’t see a thing. But you didn’t question Giyu, you knew he had better instincts than you. Something learned over the years. Something you didn’t possess quite yet. “Stay close.” Giyu commanded and again you nodded your head as he led the way into the village. Sure enough all the lights were off, some street lamps lit your way but the houses and businesses were practically dead. Something dark caught your eye, a dark spot on the steps leading up to a small house. You walked towards it but made it two steps before you felt a hand shot out, gently catching your wrist. You realized you hadn’t even alerted Giyu, just naively starting walking towards something probably dangerous. He gave you a sharp look and you returned a guilty one.

“Sorry,” You pointed towards the spot and his eyes followed. He walked first towards the spot, bending over. The closer you got you realized what it was. Blood. A dark red puddle of blood that led up the house, the door to the house precariously open. You both, on instinct, pulled out your swords in one quick motion. He gave you a look that told you to stay close as he walked up the stairs of the house. The house was even more deathly quiet if that was even possible. The walls were covered in blood, the smell of metal so strong it almost made you gag. You held tighter to your sword, eyes darting left and right as Giyu leaned and inspected a print left in the blood. 

“It’s fresh.” He says up to you just as something from upstairs rumbles. Giyu stands quickly, he notices the fear in your eyes and you feel the gentlest of touches to your chin, his way of asking you to look up at him. You two shared a meaningful look. He didn’t have to say a thing in the dark house. You just understood. He’d keep you safe and you’d do your best to be helpful and watch his back.

You two made your way upstairs, checking room by room and just as Giyu pushed the last one open something stopped in the moonlight. Over Giyu’s shoulder all you saw was red eyes before it attacked. Giyu was quick to step into the room, overwhelming the demon with a quick succession of slashes before it could even think of getting close to you. 

Something ticked to your right and before you could even turn your eyes to the noise a demon slammed into you, taking you crashing down the stairs with it. It’s claws digging into you as your sword clatters out of your hands. A silly and deadly naive move on your part as the demon recovered before you did. 

You scrambled from the floor towards your sword, feeling hot blood coat the sides of your shirt from the slashes it dealt on you moments ago. A clawed paw wrapped around your ankle just as you were a fingertips length away from your blade as it yanked you back towards the dark. You kicked at the thing, finding purchase as your heel met the thing's throat. It coughed and sputtered as you recovered quickly, rolling towards your sword, yanking it up just as the demon pounced back towards you. You slashed out in a wide arc, your aim true as you lopped the creature's head right from its shoulders. It burst into flames and dusted away just as Giyu ran down the stairs. You blew out a shaky breath as he pulled you from the ground with surprising strength, checking you over.

“You’re hurt,” He sees the blood on your sides from the claws.

“It’s nothing really,” You answer, barely lifting the side of your shirt. The slashes are deeper than you thought when you finally see them.

“That’s not nothing,” He guides you carefully to a chair and bends to his knee. “May I?” He asks as you nod your head. He reaches and gently pulls your shirt up, He looks it over for a moment before carefully wiping up the blood and gently wrapping it. He ties off the bandage and pulls your shirt back down. He meets your eyes. “You did well defending yourself.” He says and you can’t help but blush and smile. 

“I’ve had good teachers.” You remark and swear Giyu’s cheeks are just as red as yours as he stands back up.

“It’s not over just yet, alright. I’d like for you to stay here while I check out the rest of the village.” He says, not meeting your eyes as he walks back towards the front door.

“Mr. Tomioka! I can’t just leave you on your own. We’re partners.” You say, pushing to your feet. Your side screams in pain but you don’t show it on your face as you follow him. He turns and shakes his head, meeting your eyes.

“No. Stay here and rest up. It won’t take me long.”

“No,” You argued, clearing your throat. “I’m fine. I swear.” You implore, not wanting to split from him for even a moment. Giyu walked back towards you, leveling his eyes with yours. 

“You’ve done enough. That wound is deep. You need to take a rest.”

“I promise… I’m alright.” You give your best soft smile and watch Giyu smile, his eyes dipping to your lips before he looks away quickly, clearing his throat.

“You stay plastered to my side and let me deal with any demons. Promise me.” He says, an intense look in his eyes. You nod your head.

“I promise.”

Giyu didn’t let you out of his sight even for a moment, he’d glance back at you regularly as you made your way through the rest of the village. He was very attentive, so attentive that it was making you blush. Two weeks spent together and he seemed to really care for you as a friend. All those long hours spent training, eating together, you really felt as though you’d conjured up another friendship. 

Something rustled near the edge of the village as you both turned at the sound, Giyu was quick to step between you and the sound. There was a distant cry and a deep growl as you pulled out your sword. Giyu narrowed his eyes just as another demon crashed out of the forest towards you two, you blinked, its head toppled off its body, Giyu’s blade glinting in the dim light. He killed it in mere seconds. You hadn’t even had time to think before it was lighting on fire and dusting into nothing. Your eyes widened as a smile fit your face. He was impressive and you couldn’t help but admire his skill. Giyu was back at your side in seconds checking you over as if you even got a chance to move.

“I’m okay, Giyu.” You insisted as he nodded his head, blowing out what seemed to be a breath of relief.

Giyu rented a room at a nearby inn and as you two settled inside he insisted on checking your wound over again before bed. He sat you down and unwrapped the bandaging to clean up the wound and wrap it up again with clean bandages. 

“You think it’ll scar?” You ask as Giyu shakes his head,

“I don’t think so.”

“It’d be kind of cool, though. Like a memento of our time together.” You smile as Giyu’s eyes snap to yours. In this light he blushes, actually blushes at your words. You almost can’t believe your eyes. He looks away, embarrassed as he speaks.

“It’ll heal up just fine.” He says and pushes back to his feet. You clear your throat. 

“Giyu?” You ask as he pulls back the cover on his cot, yours a few feet from his. 

“Hm?”

“You’re incredible, you took out that demon in… seconds.” 

“It was a weak one.”

“Still. It’s been an honor to train with you.” You say as Giyu turns away from you. “May I ask you something?”

“Hmm?”

“What made you want to be a hashira?” It’s silent for a moment and you wonder if somehow either he fell asleep or didn’t hear you, that is until he turns over, eyes meeting yours.

“What made you want to be a slayer?” He countered. You smiled. You two had broached this topic on your second night together but you had brushed it off then. But now… now you felt compelled to tell him. 

“My mother was turned into one. It was late, I usually waited up for her with my siblings till she got home from work. But… it wasn’t her that walked through the door… it… well you know. Demons don’t think much other than to kill. My mother tried to attack my younger siblings and I-- I had to kill her.” You recount, clearing your throat as tears well up into your eyes. Giyu watched you with an unreadable expression. He then pushed off his cot and sat beside you, just as you turned Giyu pulled you into a gentle hug. You instantly hugged back, smiling against his shoulder as he held you. You missed your family and you came to terms with things a long time ago, you did what you had to do. You saved your siblings from something that wasn’t your mother anymore. After that night you vowed to try and do that for others so they wouldn’t have to go through the pain you went through that night. To try and prevent it. When he pulled back he looked sad for you, you smiled at him. “Thank you…”

“That must’ve been hard.” He says as you nod your head.

“I miss her. I do… but I don’t regret it. I had to save my family.” You say.

“You’re the incredible one.” He says and now you're the one blushing shamelessly. His eyes soften and for the first time you feel your heart speed just at the sight. You look away for a second before clearing your throat.

“You dodged my question early.” You say as Giyu slightly cocks his head. “Why did you become a hashira?”

“You don’t want to hear that.” He says as you nod your head.

“I do. I really do.” You implore. He looks at you. Really really looks at you.

“I… shouldn’t be.” He starts as you furrow your brow. “My friend… he should be where I am now.”

“Giyu…” You shake your head. He tells you his story, about his friend Sabito, who sacrificed his life to save everyone during the entrance exam. You could hear the hurt in his voice as he told it. The way he thought he really didn’t deserve to be a hashira. You couldn’t just sit there and listen, not when you felt so strongly. You turned and looked him straight in the eyes. “You deserve to be where you are, Giyu. You worked incredibly hard and… watching you fight… It was so inspiring so… amazing. It baffles me that you really think you’re on a lower level than everyone else.” You start, you gently grab his hand. “Spending this past month with you has been an honor. You deserve everything good that comes your way, Giyu.” You give his hand a little squeeze. His lips part wordlessly, you hope your words meant something to him. You watch him swallow and blush once again. 

“We… we should get some sleep.” He says and you can’t help the hurt that flashes across your face as he gently pulls his hand away from yours. You bite your lip. Nodding your head, you turn over in your cot, forcing your eyes closed as the light is extinguished from the room. You laid there in the dark, feeling foolish.

You stepped off the train into the blinding light, bags in your hand as you heard your name being called out. You shield the sun from your eyes just as Mitsuri practically tackled you in a hug. You giggled as you hugged her back.

“I missed you so much!” Mitsuri beamed as she picked you up and spun you around as you giggled. 

“I miss you too.” You laughed. She set you down, pinching your cheeks as she inspected you. 

“You’re taller! And look at these muscles.” She pokes at your arms as you push her hand away giggling. “Are you hungry? I’m hungry, let’s eat while you catch me up, huh?” She asks, locking her arm with yours as she pulls you towards the closest restaurant. 

Once you two are settled with lots of food on the table you recount to her things you’ve learned and moments from your travels. 

“And how was meeting the water hashira? You spent more time with him than probably any of us!” She says as she gobbles down some ramen. A soft smile fits to your lips as you push your hair from your face.

“I learned a lot from him.” You said as her eyes flew up to yours, she looked over your face and suddenly grinned like she knew a secret. 

“You talked a lot about all the other hashira’s with a neutral expression but only say a few words about Giyu and smile like that,” She points to your face and her grin widens. You blush instantly. 

“What? T-this is my normal smile.” You implore as she shakes her head. 

“I don’t think so. Spill it.”

“What?”

“You have a crush.”

“I most certainly do not.” You gasp, looking around as if Giyu was sitting somewhere in this restaurant.

“You do! You do! If only you could see your face right now, you're a blushing mess!” She laughs heartily, reaching for another dumpling. You narrow your eyes, shaking your head but… but you couldn’t hide the smile.

“You’re insatiable.” You admonished Mitsuri who gave you a bright smile.

“I knew you two would get along, and get along you did, right?” She wiggles her brows as you blush even more.

“Stop that!” You laughed, embarrassed.

“You have to share with your master.”

“This is not how a master should act.” You tease as she smirks.”Fine. Yes. I had a good time. Mr. Tomioka-”

“You even say his name in a dreamy way.”

“Hush.” You laugh. “Mr. Tomioka was very accommodating. He was very attentive during our mission and that-”

“Made your heart flutter?”

“You are the worst!” You giggle as Mitsuri gives you a cheeky smile. 

“I’m sorry, dear, it’s just… that way you talk about him and… and say his name it just reminds me of Obanai and I.” You really blush at that. “I… received a letter from Mr. Tomioka halfway through the month and the way he spoke about you… it made me wonder what really happened in that time you two spent together.”

“He wrote?” You ask as Mitsuri smiles.

“He did. He talked very adamantly to me that you were very impressive in battle and training and that he expected you to be a hashira in no time. The reason I sensed something was because most of the time he writes to me it's only a sentence or two but… he spoke of you so fondly he almost filled the whole page.” Mitsuri smiles as you can’t help but smile back. 

“I… I was sure I messed things up.”

“What do you mean?” 

“I thought… I thought we’d gotten closer, that he’d warmed up to me but… by the last day he shut back down. He barely spoke to me and even when I boarded the train he only just said goodbye.” You recount his cold treatment as Mitsuri reaches across the table, gently taking your hand. 

“Obanai was the same way. Sometimes people shut down when something good is dangled right in front of them. Don’t be disheartened.” She says with a comforting smile. You give her a smile back. 

“It’s alright, really, I was just happy to learn from him. I couldn’t ask for more than that.” You say and Mitsuri leans back, she gazes at you for a moment, pouting. 

“Did you at least thank him?” She asks as your eyes fly up to hers.

“I… I didn’t… I can’t believe I forgot…”

“It’s alright, dear, when we get back you can write him a letter, hmm?” She asks as you nod your head. 

Once back Mitsuri lends you her writing kit as you make your way to the wisteria garden near the back of her mansion. You picked a nice tree to sit under and laid out your supplies. 

-

Dear Mr. Tomioka, 

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to write to you and thank you for your time. I apologize for not saying this to you face to face, it seemed to just slip my mind. I also wanted to apologize if I crossed a line. You showed me kindness and I wanted to give you some in return. It was none of my business and

-

“Y/n?” Your hand pauses as your eyes drift up and meet Giyu’s. You sit up straight, knocking over your ink well as you scramble to save your letter but it covers the page. 

“Mr. Tomioka!” You gasp, wiping off your hands.

“Did I startle you?” He asks as you shake your head. The wind picked up, blowing wisteria around behind Giyu. You're struck then by just how much you’d grown to like him. How utterly important it was to see him in front of you once again, how much you longed for this in such a short time. 

“I… was just writing to you. And then… here you are.”

“Ms. Kanroji said I could find you here… you were writing to me?” He asks as you nod your head.

“I… didn’t get to thank you. For your time. Training and taking care of me.”

“I would… do that for you… anytime.” Giyu says and you instantly blush, hiding a smile behind your hand. “I should apologize to you.”

“Apologize? For what?”

“I treated you coldly. You showed me kindness and I… shut down.” “You don’t have to apologize.” You smile with a shake of your head. Giyu steps a few feet closer.

“I do. I am… not well versed in opening up to people and I haven’t really wanted to.”

“That’s okay-”

“Until you.” He interrupts as your eyes fly up to his. He’s looking at you intently. “You’re… incredible in ways that are far past your fighting abilities and I find myself… wanting to be near you at every turn.” Your lips part in surprise at his confession. “When you left… I knew I had to find you. You… don’t have to say anything back, I just… wanted you to know.” Giyu says, the wind brushing his hair back out of his face. You couldn’t help the smile that formed on your lips as you took a step towards him, you reached for his hand, gently pulling his knuckles to your lips as you brushed a kiss against them.

“Now I know.” You smile up at him as the distance between you two diminished and he pulled you against him, lowering his lips to yours.

[megtrns]

not to sound insane but i'm bedridden at the thought of being intimate with these giant bots — no, not interfacing (although that's also great), but rather the nervous brushing of fingers against servos, the firm press of skin against metal, the bend and curve of muscle to cradle the shape of their armors. 

fort max, who came to life in the crux of war and violence, wiping a stray eyelash from the corner of your eye, servos faintly trembling as they tentatively cross the space between your bodies. unsure and afraid of hurting you, he tries not to exert too much effort, constantly reminding himself that just because his mass was displaced doesn't mean he didn't have the strength to tear mechs apart with his bare hands. his optics, garnet red under the distant starlight, soften the moment you lean your cheek against his open palm; the skin under his touch, smooth and organic and alive with a warmth he didn't know existed. 

brainstorm running his digits playfully over your face — tickling your nose, your chin, your ear — causing you to giggle against the pillows as he conducts a thorough examination for the purpose of 'science', using it as an excuse to 'stimulate your nerves' and make you smile. here, face to face with him above the mattress, with laughter embracing your bodies like a weighted blanket, you let him gently trace his servos across your lips. the scientist, drunk on studying you. 

swerve letting you throw your arms around his neck — body melting against his chest plates, nose already buried at the crook of his neck cables to express your sympathies. you were one of the few people who see through the chink in his optimistic armor, always trying to cheer him up even before he even realized he needs the comfort. and how can he not feel better already, when you were looking up at him like he hung the stars for you? 

perceptor catching himself in awe of human irises and the myriad of colors they take after. he thinks it's beyond fascinating that, for some, the eyes reflect the color of their seas, cerulean blue dissolving against white foam. and other times even the forest, their strange and halcyon woodlands dense with emerald trees that sway with the wind. but most curious of all, he thinks, is the color of the earth : darker than rust yet radiant like the sun — a shade that doesn't naturally occur on his planet, swimming like liquid gold behind your eyes.

megatron, elusive and distant, anchored by the delicate weight of your fingers above his servos. when he saw your hand sliding across your lap from under the metal table — using the distraction caused by whirl in the middle of a crowded night at swerves — to move closer to his, megatron had thought about stopping you. he thought about retracting his hand to excuse himself back to his hab-suite. but the ex-warlord is tired and worn, powerless against the sight of your affections. so he let it happen — and it was fleeting, only a brush and barely a touch. yet it went straight to his spark like a jolt of electricity. just like that, under your fragile, tiny hands, the mighty has fallen. 

[yandere-romanticaa]

Haven't written about Viktor in a hot minute, no clue if anyone missed him but you're getting crumbs regardless of your feelings.

P.S. I'm editing this later after it was posted. I was very tired when I wrote this.

yandere mortician masterlist.

Every single evening, Viktor could find you sitting alone in a coffee shop.

It was standard procedure for him by this point, so much so that it even became a part of his schedule. He would always finish his work early and skip off to find you, always lurking in the comfort of darkness.

He was unsure on how to feel about seeing you like this. Like clockwork, Viktor would watch you scour your city for a new place to huddle up in for a few hours, always alone. Viktor always found this odd as he knew that you had some good friends, friends who you love and adore.

Why did you never bring them with you, he would often ponder.

Without skipping a beat, his heart never failed to swell with the tiniest hint of joy in catching you alone like this, even if Viktor knew all too well that he was no better than a phantom to you. It felt intimate somehow, watching you in your element like this. Sometimes you would bring a book with you and spend the time reading. Viktor was always curious which novels you liked, always quickly looking them up and finding out everything he possibly could about them. If he had the time, he would even go through some of those books if he could find them as he wished to learn more about your preferences.

Hours would pass, people would come and go. Viktor would sometimes tune back into the world around him and see how the rest of the world was doing. It was so fascinating to listen in to some of those conversations. People had plans, great plans and most of them would just go down the drain.

He never was much of an optimist. He was used to being compared to a stormy cloud of pessimism, but he never saw himself in such a light. Viktor always thought of himself as more of a realist if he was being frank. All those big dreams would stay just that - dreams. That was how things usually went for most normal people. Not even the most exceptional human beings on the planet could escape the dull ache of normalcy, the cold realization that you really were just one person in this world. If you were to die, the world would continue to spin, seasons would change and life would go on.

Sipping on his hot drink, Viktor laughed bitterly to himself. Life could be so cruel sometimes. The stench of the chemicals he was working with earlier clung onto him tight, causing some people to wonder what was so off about him. Viktor would try to clean himself from top to bottom, but it was all to no avail.

That was simply how his world functioned. Death and decay were nothing to him, all in the day's work. Although, his world was not so bleak, he supposed.

He had you now.

Every single person around him was trapped in their own little bubble, completely unaware of anything. He was no different, he supposed. His bubble consisted of his piping hot coffee, chill November air, the blinding lights and his favorite person in the whole world.

This was enough for him, for now.

[pickingupmymercedes]

Whispered fairytale - Lewis Hamilton

request: "hi can i have a request about moments of fluff when reader's pregnant? with lewis of course <3" - anon

pairing: Dad!Lewis Hamilton x Reader!

warnings: fluff, like a lot of it

wordcount: +2K

a/n: I am not sorry for the sighs I was letting out as I was writting this. You guys have been warned, it's dad Lewis after all.

As always, I'm open for feedback, come say hi!

______________________________________________________________

Monaco shimmered beneath the fading sunlight, a familiar scenery for Lewis and Y/N. This time, however, the champagne flowed with a bittersweet undercurrent as nestled in a drawer, a positive pregnancy test hummed with a quiet revolution. No elaborate pronouncements, just a single pink line etching a new chapter onto their shared story.

Their path to parenthood hadn't been meticulously expected. Discussions about starting a family had danced between them, unspoken agreements carried on the wind of their non-stop lives. Lewis, now an eight-time champion, a feat achieved under the scarlet banner of Ferrari, still felt the fire to chase another title. Yet, amidst the celebrations at the end of season, a quiet voice whispered that perhaps, the timing might have been just right.

As the celebratory roar began to fade, replaced by the clinking of abandoned champagne flutes, Lewis found himself gazing at Y/N, her smile hesitant yet imbued with a radiant joy, although the reason behind it hadn’t been revealed.

Their planned racetrack of a future had morphed into a sprawling unknown, but as Y/N's hand met his, a quiet certainty bloomed within him. This unplanned detour wasn't a wrong turn. It was a victory lap of a different kind, perhaps the starting grid for their greatest adventure.

A Dream

Sunlight speared through the sliver of uncovered window, painting a warm stripe across Lewis's features. Y/N stirred beside him, the weight of sleep clinging to her eyelids. Disoriented for a moment, she blinked, the room slowly coming into focus. Lewis, sprawled on the plush white chaise lounge next to his driver’s room sofa, was the first thing that registered.

Except, he wasn't really by himself, not mentally anyway.

His gaze was fixed on a spot above her stomach, a soft, almost reverent smile playing on his lips. He spoke, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down Y/N's spine.

"Alright, little one," he was saying, "I know you can't hear me yet, but listen up. This whole thing...it's a bit overwhelming, you know?" He chuckled, a nervous sound that tugged at Y/N's heart. "Honestly, I don't have a clue what I'm doing. But your mama here," he glanced at Y/N, his eyes warm, "she's a trooper. We'll figure it out, together. As a team."

The sight of Lewis, ever the composed champion, confessing his anxieties about fatherhood sent a wave of tenderness over Y/N. Carefully, she reached out, her fingertips brushing against the dark braids of his hair.

"Lewis," she croaked, her voice thick with sleep.

He turned, his smile widening as he met her gaze. "Hey there, beautiful.”

"Just getting to know the newest member of the team," he continued, his eyes flickering back to her stomach. "We were having a little chat."

Y/N couldn't help but laugh, a soft sound that echoed in the quiet room. "It can’t really hear you" she said, her smile fading slightly. "It's still early days, remember?"

Lewis's smile softened. He reached out, his hand hovering just above her stomach. "I know," he said, his voice gentle. "But that doesn't mean I can't try, does it?"

Lewis, ever the believer in manifestation, ever the optimist. She scooted closer, making room for him on the sofa. He settled beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, pulling her close.

"How was your nap?" he asked, his lips brushing against her temple.

"Good," she mumbled, nuzzling closer to him. "But you woke me up with your…pep talk."

"Just some heart-to-heart, you know?!" he said with a wink. "With the little one, of course."

Y/N rolled her eyes playfully, but a smile tugged at her lips. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind. The surprise of the positive test, the initial shock, the overwhelming joy – it had all been a blur. Lewis, ever the supportive partner, had taken it all in stride. Sure, there were moments of worry, of panicked glances exchanged in stolen moments, but mostly, there was a quiet excitement that simmered between the couple.

Out of the blue, as it tended to be, a loud growl echoed in the quiet room. She winced, covering her eyes in shame. "Hey, hey, it's okay," he soothed, his voice laced with concern. "This little one needs some food, right?"

Y/N nodded, the growling easing down "Yeah," she mumbled, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Sorry, I..."

"Don't apologize," he said firmly. "This is all part of the journey. We're in this together."

His words held a quiet strength, a comforting confidence that calmed the churning in her stomach. It was more than just constantly being hungry; it was a reminder of the tiny miracle growing inside her.

They lay in silence for a moment, the only sound the rhythmic rise and fall of their breathing. Outside, the world buzzed with activity, the roar of the racetrack a distant rumble. But here, in this quiet haven, a different kind of race was about to begin – a race against time, against uncertainty, but most importantly, a race towards a future filled with the promise of a tiny miracle. And that little one, even though they were still just a whisper of a dream, was already so loved. More than Y/N could ever imagine.

Your scent

The crisp scent of Lewis's signature cologne, a heady mix of citrus and spice, usually sent a wave of warmth through Y/N. Today, however, it was the trigger for a rebellion in her stomach. A wave of nausea crashed over her, sending her scrambling out of bed towards the bathroom.

Lewis, stirred by the commotion, sat up, blinking away the remnants of sleep. "Y/N? You alright?" he called out, concern etching lines on his forehead.

Y/N emerged from the bathroom, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Yeah," she mumbled, her voice weak. "Just a little…" she trailed off, the metallic tang of bile rising in her throat.

Lewis was by her side in an instant, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. "Morning sickness again?" he asked gently.

Y/N shook her head, forcing a weak smile. "Second trimester was supposed to be smooth sailing, they said" Her voice held a hint of sarcasm, even to her own ears.

Lewis chuckled softly. "Maybe smooth sailing is a bit optimistic," he admitted. "But hey, at least you're keeping food down" Y/N grimaced. That particular phase had been brutal. She rinsed her mouth in the sink, the minty freshness a welcome relief.

"Actually," she started hesitantly, Lewis's brow furrowed. "What is it?"

Y/N hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Your cologne," she began, gesturing vaguely towards the bottle on the dresser "it's making me sick."

The surprise on Lewis's face was comical. He stared at the bottle, then back at Y/N, as if trying to process the information. This was the cologne he'd worn for years, his signature scent. It was practically an extension of him.

"My cologne?" he finally managed, his voice a mixture of disbelief and amusement. "But it's…" he trailed off, searching for the right words. "It's me, Y/N. You love me, right?"

Y/N couldn't help but laugh, the sound shaky but genuine. "Of course, I love you, silly," she said, reaching out to cup his face. "But right now, your child doesn’t really enjoy your 'you-ness'”

A slow grin spread across his face. "Alright, then” he declared, picking up the cologne bottle. "Operation: Find a pregnancy-safe scent it is."

Y/N watched, a smile playing on her lips, as Lewis rummaged through his extensive collection of grooming products. "How about this one?" Lewis asked, holding up a small, unassuming bottle with a label that read "Lavender Serenity."

Y/N wrinkled her nose playfully. "A bit too…serene for you, wouldn't you say?"

Lewis chuckled, tossing the bottle back onto the dresser. "Maybe. But hey, at least it won't make you puke."

Whoever they are

The air crackled with anticipation as Y/N's mother hoisted a heavy bag of groceries onto the kitchen counter. Lewis's dad, Anthony, hovered beside her, peering inside with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Alright" Anthony announced, brandishing a head of cabbage, "let's settle this once and for all. Boy or girl?"

Y/N chuckled, her belly, now a prominent dome beneath her maternity clothes, bouncing with laughter. "Lewis and I have already agreed, no peeking!"

Across the room, Lewis, ever the competitor, mirrored Y/N's amusement. "Besides," he added, winking at Anthony, "I have a feeling your cabbage test is about to be proven wildly inaccurate."

Anthony scoffed playfully. "Don't underestimate the power of tradition. Now, hand me that measuring tape."

As the pregnancy had unfolded everyone had made the bump a target to old wives' tales and lighthearted debate.

Y/N's mother, a firm believer in the "pregnancy glow" theory, insisted the baby was a girl based on Y/N's radiant complexion. Anthony, armed with his cabbage test (apparently, a high, round shape indicated a boy), remained stubbornly convinced otherwise.

Lewis, however, held a quiet confidence in his prediction of a girl. He couldn't explain it; it was just a feeling, a deep one that resonated within him.

The rest of the family, friends, and even Ferrari staff, seemed convinced it was a boy. The sheer volume of blue onesies and miniature race car toys accumulating in the nursery was a testament to that.

Despite the overwhelming "boy" camp, Y/N found herself drawn to Lewis's quiet certainty, her mother's unwavering belief and Leclerc’s claim that Lewis was a girl dad and he wouldn’t believe in anything else. There was a subtle shift in their preferences, a secret language of pink frilly socks and delicate stuffed animals tucked away in the corner of the nursery.

As the due date came ever closer the playful arguments gave way to a more sentimental atmosphere.

Anthony surprised everyone one evening by pulling Y/N into a tight embrace. "Girl or boy," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "you're going to be incredible parents. And that little one," he patted Y/N's stomach gently, "they're already so loved."

A tear escaped Y/N's eye, mirroring the glistening in Lewis's. The truth was, the gender didn't matter. They were about to embark on the greatest adventure of their lives.

As Y/N snuggled against Lewis on the couch, just days before their little one arrived, her hand resting on her swollen belly, a wave of peace washed over her.

"You know," she whispered, "maybe the whole point isn't about knowing the gender."

Lewis turned to her, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the lamp. "What do you mean?"

"Maybe," Y/N continued, a smile gracing her lips, "the point is in the surprise. The joy of meeting them, whoever they are, for the very first time."

Lewis's smile mirrored hers. He squeezed her hand gently. "We're ready, whatever comes." he said, his voice filled with an unshakeable certainty.

Their shared ritual

Exhaustion clung to Y/N like a second skin. The past three months had been a parade of sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and the constant, gnawing worry that comes with being a new parent.

But nestled in the crook of her arm, a tiny miracle slept soundly. Her daughter, in a quiet moment of shared hope, was a testament to the love that bloomed amidst the chaos.

She was a symphony of soft sighs and the occasional gurgle, her tiny fists clenched in a peaceful slumber. However, the moment Lewis's voice cut through the quiet of the room, her whole world seemed to shift.

"Hey there, my little champion," Lewis cooed, his voice a low murmur as he entered the nursery. The infant’s eyes, a pitch perfect copy of her dad’s brown ones, snapped open. A wide, gummy grin split her face, and a high-pitched squeal erupted from her tiny lungs.

Y/N watched the scene unfold with warmth washing over her. Lewis, ever the prodigy, had taken to parenthood like a natural. The same gentle persuasion he used on the racetrack was now employed to coax a smile from their daughter, his voice a soothing melody that calmed her fussy cries.

The transformation was remarkable. Y/N vividly recalled the first trimester, Lewis sheepishly confessing his anxieties about fatherhood to their unborn child. And throught the months a routine was created as every evening, he'd spend a quiet moment by Y/N's side, whispering words of encouragement and promises of love to the tiny bump.

"Alright, little one," Lewis would say, his voice barely above a whisper, "we're going to face whatever comes our way, as a team, okay?"

Those nightly pep talks, once a source of amusement for Y/N, now seemed almost prophetic. The kid, it seemed, recognized Lewis's voice as a source of comfort, a familiar sound that echoed the evenings spent nestled safely inside Y/N, bathed in the sound of his love.

Lewis, oblivious to the internal monologue playing in Y/N's head, scooped the baby into his arms, his face alight with a radiant joy. He bounced her gently, singing a silly, made-up song about a race car driver and a tiny princess. Captivated by her father's performance, the infant cooed and gurgled in response, her tiny hand reaching out to grab a lock of Lewis's dark braids.

Watching them together, a lump formed in Y/N's throat. The exhaustion that had threatened to consume her throughout the day had faded away, replaced by a fierce and overwhelming love. There, in the quiet sanctuary of the nursery, their team flourished – united by an invisible thread of shared love, a love story whispered before their daughter ever entered the world.

______________________________________________________________

TAGLIST - @saturnssunflower @xoscar03 @chocolatediplomatdreamerzonk @happy-golden-hour @vicurious28

@0710khj @thecubanator2 @neilakk @bigratbitchsworld @adriswrld

[dunmeshistash]

I've been having a bunch of ideas kinda float around my mind like little screensavers that I didn't feel like putting on paper, but one of these ideas just so happened to hit a corner, and it gave me an idea for what might perhaps be a bit of a silly (and oddly specific) question, but one I was very interested in asking nonetheless. Especially after reading your long post on the Demon's perspective of Laios' backstory. I really hope you don't mind.

While my memory's a tad blurry on how the scene played out in detail, I still find Laios' confrontation with the demon to be one of my favorite scenes. Definitely top 5. It's the one where Laios secretly orders Izutsumi to execute him at the slightest hint of suspicion. That one. I think that scene is among my favorites because it's both a perfect demonstration of Laios' remarkable cleverness hidden underneath all that lack of social skills, but it's also the perfect demonstration of how utterly terrifying the demon is.

At first I was under the assumption that Laios had it all under control, but the Demon's frighteningly gentle with how he twists Laios' very thoughts in a way that frames him as some sort of misanthropist, and the Winged Lion's words seemingly foil whatever plan Laios may have had. It made me think that Laios had failed, and Izutsumi's orders to lob his head off may have been a fail safe because he didn't know if he could successfully thwart the Demon's plans.

However, after finishing the story, extras, etc; I started thinking that perhaps failing was all part of Laios' plan, too. At least partially. Perhaps he realised that the only way to outsmart and ultimately best the Demon, was to let the Demon win. Perhaps he concluded that the only way for him to stand a chance against the Demon was to lose, to be at the Demon's mercy, to have his words utterly twisted; because he couldn't just make the demon "think" he had won. The only way for the Demon, the embodiment of hunger, to think he had won, was for him to actually win.

Maybe he ordered Izutsumi to… how do you put it… "artificially shorten his lifespan" because he knew the Demon would use his love for monsters against him, and would manipulate him into wishing to become the Ultimate Strongest Monster. His recent addendum (that the Ultimate Strongest Monster can eat desires) seems to support this theory, if I remember correctly. However, I can't remember for certain. Maybe his plan was to trap the Demon in his body and kill it that way? I genuinely can't remember.

So, I was wondering if you'd be interested in answering this oddly specific and mildly stupid question: How much of Laios' interaction with the Demon was planned, and how much was him fucking around and finding out? I'd love to know your thoughts on this!

PS: Laios rocks the swag he dons as king. Would happily serve under him. PPS: I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week, Mr. Morbius! Thank you for this awesome blog. You're cool.

Hello!!!!! Yeah!!!!!! The question Kabru himself would rather not know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Same as Kabru I decided not to think too hard about but Kui definitely gave us hints that this could be the case, I don't think Laios "planned" to fail from the start, he strikes me as a very optimistic guy (as you can see with how he first thought the confrontation with Thistle could go and how he STILL tried to talk to him instead of fighting) but I think he did "prepare" somewhat for the worst case scenario, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst?

Like I don't think this part of his plan was a misdirection I think he really hoped it could be this simple? So this was plan A (although he realizes this is too optimistic I think he hopes it will work)

This part tho I'm pretty sure was partly a misdirection for his teammates, since he asks them to help him get his mind back only to tell Izutsumi to kill him at the smallest hint he lost his mind, so I think this was plan B as in "If I become the lord of the dungeon kill me so there's no more dungeon lord" which was the original canary plan

Which again is kinda confirmed by this thought bubble

I think this was plan C

He knew he no longer wished for a country where humans and monsters could coexist (because of what he saw) so I guess he had *some* idea that becoming a monster was his other wish and added that as a fail safe if plan A and B failed? I don't think he could have guessed the Demon would use his body but maybe he thought he could use the nature of the demon against him (granting his desire to become a monster even tho the monster can eat him)

As Marcille and Kabru realize tho, that might all be a coincidence and he really thought plan A or B would work lmao. WHO KNOWS Laios' mind is a mystery

I'd recommend rereading chapter 88 if you want to go thru Laios' whole plan and how the demon manipulated him, it's a great chapter (87 too with the demon origin story)

[hwaslayer]

wildfire (cs) | 8.5

—spotify playlist | series masterlist

—summary: assistant professor in bioengineering, incredibly attractive, lonely and divorced; that’s how most people describe san. but despite the events that have happened in his life, san has a lot going for himself. he’s a successful, sought out professor due to his brilliant contributions to science at just an early age of 32. he worked hard to get where he was now; head deep into his research, his publications, building his lab and creating a name for himself. everything was good and smooth sailing— until it wasn’t. because when he meets you, a bioengineering grad student interested in rotating in his lab, he finds himself ready to risk all the blood, sweat and tears he put in throughout the years just to keep you close— his need for you spiraling out of control like a wildfire.

—pairing: asst. professor!choi san x grad student!f. reader

—genre: (18+ - minors dni) strangers to lovers, grad school au | fluff, angst, smut

—word count: 1.5k

—chapter content/warnings: this is a few days post-symposium so san x oc are pretty much a thing by now lol, one-sided feelings 😭, nothing else rly!!

"What, why?" San laughs. "No, let's go get lunch. On me."

"San." Zara furrows her brows at him, crossing her arms in dispute.

"Seriously."

"I'm the one who asked you to meet, shouldn't I be paying?"

"Not really." He laughs. "Besides, I don't have anything going on until after lunch. Unless.. you're busy?"

"No. I'm not." San smiles and nods towards one of the cafés nearby.

"Okay, so let's go." 

"You don't need to meet anyone for once?" She jokes.

"Nah. Well, you, now." Zara playfully rolls her eyes and follows alongside of him. It had been a couple of days post-symposium, and Zara had received some emails regarding potential tours of her lab space, especially from donors. She had sought advice from the rest of the group, but she wanted to meet with San to get a little bit more info on his experience. 

And he had provided her with more help than she could've asked for.

The rest, although insightful, gave her advice— going along the lines of 'just be yourself!' or 'elaborate on your work, you should be gold!' But, San managed to take his time with her and gave her specific scenarios. Specific what-not-to-do's and what-to-do's, adding in a sprinkle of personalities and focus points from the foundations that reached out based on his own experience. He even gave her more tips on how to present her lab while it's still a work in progress with the one postdoc and grad student she has.

She really appreciated it, and she couldn't help but feel a little more attracted to the man San had shown to be. He was always helpful and incredibly sweet from the beginning, but with someone who has a packed schedule day in and day out— she couldn't help but be grateful for the extra time he carved out for her. It hadn't been their first meeting, obviously. This had been one of a few since she started; mainly meetings to check in and see how things were going. But, Zara appreciated every single one because she knew San had a busy schedule.

Yet, he still carved out time for her.

And maybe she was being a little too optimistic—after all, most meetings had been about her. She knows a few things about San, like his parents and what they've been up to. She knows that he enjoys watching all sports with the guys, likes dabbling in golf and random hobbies with them and hanging out at each other's homes. She knows that Iseul was his ex-wife, but it was such a known fact around campus she couldn't say it was a San fact only she knew. She knows him mainly from a colleague perspective; she knows about his work and awards. Other than that, she doesn't know much. San might know a little more about her than she does with him and that's because she put it out there hoping he'd feel more comfortable to on his end.

Oh well.

When they reach the café, San scans the menu next to Zara, while Zara can't seem to help but glaze over his figure. He's wearing a brown button up with the sleeves rolled up halfway. Jeans. Chucks. Zara can faintly smell his cologne from where she stands. She's a bit past his shoulder in height, right by his jaw perhaps. They've got a good height difference, bearing that she's in these boots with a 1.5-inch heel.

"Zara?" He cocks his head to the side when he finds her spaced out, eyes now roaming around the café.

"Hm?" She hums.

"I was asking if you knew what you wanted." He smiles and she can't help but softly smile, too.

"I'm just gonna get the tuna melt."

"That's all?"

"And the peach iced tea, please." He chuckles.

"I got you."

"I'm gonna go save us that table." She points over to a free booth that just popped open, and San nods. She breaks free from him after he asks one last time if she wanted anything else, giving him that smile of hers before walking away and settling down at the table. She pulls out her phone and scrolls through new emails, answering a select few until San plops down in front of her. He slides the beeper and their drinks onto the middle of the table, pulling out his phone to scroll through his own notifications.

you: [sends selfie]

you: me today lol

San subtly smiles and quickly texts back, trying his best not to be too pre-occupied while with his colleague.

san: prettiest i know. 😍

"So." Zara sips on her peach iced tea. "How are things going in the lab?"

"Uh, it's been good! Everyone's busy per usual. I've got a postdoc actively working on his paper, and he's been getting a lot of good results with my rotation student."

"Sunwoo?" San nods. "Who's your rotation student?"

"Y/N. She's been great."

"Oh! That's good to hear."

"Yeah, everyone seems to be moving in a good direction. Guess I'm doing something right after all." She giggles. 

"Quit talking all that nonsense, you know you're good at what you do."

"Am I?" San smirks before sipping on his drink, and it makes her blush. 

"Stop." The food comes at this moment, and San is gently sliding over her plate before grabbing his. She thanks him one last time for treating her to lunch before they dig in and talk about upcoming school events, conferences and talks— particularly NAS coming up. At some point, his phone on the table dings and Zara watches how San's eyes light up before he locks his phone and returns his attention back to her. To pivot from work for a little [and to try and pry], Zara takes a sip of her tea again before changing the subject. "So. Anyway. Any plans for the weekend?" She rests her chin on her palm, looking at him while she waits for him to respond. 

San can see the way she looks at him, and it reminds him of the way you look at him. But, of course, it means a lot to San when you do it; it only makes him feel bad when Zara does it. Zara hasn't outright said she had feelings for him, but it's been pretty clear since the get. And he knows having Mingi and his friends in her ear, pushing the idea of them getting together doesn't help. Maybe one day he'll get the opportunity to talk to her and tell her the truth— that he truthfully believed they were good this way, as good friends, colleagues. He does respect her, and he does appreciate her company as a friend. 

He's not gonna lie and say his heart doesn't belong somewhere else because it does. All he wants is you.

"I've got some plans, yeah." Is all San says, which kinda makes Zara nervous as to why he's being so vague about it.

"With what? Are you seeing a special someone?" She teases.

"Uh." He laughs it off. "Just hanging out is all. What about you?" He doesn't say much because he doesn't wanna give things away and let people connect the dots. Zara nods slowly, almost like she's trying to read his body language carefully.

"Hm, I see." Her heart drops because the way San answered is enough to tell her yes, he is seeing someone special. "I'm just gonna visit my parents."

"Oh, that'll be nice! Speaking of, I should visit mine soon."

"You should." She tosses her napkin onto the plate before setting it aside. "All done?"

"Mhm." She looks at his plate, which is also cleared off. "Packed afternoon?"

"A bit, nothing too bad. What about you?"

"I'm done after 3pm. I'll be heading out early for once."

"That's good, take advantage of it." His phone dings again and he takes a minute to read it, a small smile building at the corner of his lips before locking his phone again. He gathers their trash and stands, preparing to return the dirty dishes with his cup in hand. "Ready? I can walk you back to your building."

"You sure?" San nods.

"All good."

"Thank you, San. For lunch and for meeting with me today. Your advice was super helpful."

"Of course, any time." Zara's heart warms at the way he waits for her and walks alongside of her on the way out of the café. He holds the door open and lets her walk out first, slowly trailing by her side as they make their way back to her building.

She's unsure of what to do with her feelings for him, especially after today. It's obvious he's seeing someone, at least starting to. Building up to it. He saw the stars in his eyes whenever his phone dinged and he read those messages. Those stars weren't there when he returned his attention to her. All she saw were his big, brown eyes, but they weren't full of the stars, the galaxies, the sun, the moon. They were empty. No feeling, no excitement. Not the same as the way she would look at him. 

She wondered how it would feel to be on the receiving end of San's starry eyes.

She wondered who was on the receiving end of San's starry eyes.

—taglist: @asjkdk @interweab @woojirang @svintsandghosts @cheolliehugs @persphonesorchid @mxnsxngie @jycas @cowboydk @vcutparis @chngbnwf @struggling101 @sanhwalvr @angelqueendom @barbielibra @brown88 @choisansplushie @yunhoswrldddd @hyukssunflower @vickykazuya @lucid-galaxys-world @jaytheatiny @pommelex @thechaotictheoryy @vixensss @santineez @nopension @domfikeluva @in-somnias-world @my-atiny-kookie-rkive @mountiiny

[sirxlla]

Naughty List 🎄

----------------------------------------------------

Warnings: NSFW, Unprotected, Female Reader, It's fairly long.

Prompt: Buying him a special Christmas gift.

Notes: italics are actions and thoughts, i'm a new writer, so i'm trying to do what might be good layout? pls Imk what you think of the story or anything really in the comments, i'd really appreciate it

- Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas and with all that said it's all under the cut and -

Things have been quite rough recently with the holidays fast approaching and his ex Tommy trying to come back in his life even though he was happily in a relationship with you. The holidays were horrible for any sort of first responder, if you asked any of them they would tell you the busiest nights of the year are Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas followed by maybe the 4th of July in there. Due to all of that happening of course he was stressed out. As of recent he'd been very distant just due to how stressed out and what little energy he had.

You didn't know if this was a good idea or even if he would be up for it considering it because of how things have been lately. Not that either of you have any issue with one or another but due to the lack of time and energy he's been having. Regardless of that you had happened to stumble upon a skimpy little Santa dress while Christmas shopping online, a smile filled your face as you thought that maybe it was just a bit cliché but maybe stupid enough to get him to smile. Even if nothing else a smile would let you know it helped his stress even just a slivver, now if something did happen? That might make a world of difference to the tension in his shoulders and the stress that seemed to linger in the slight darkness around his eyes. So you ordered it along with the other gifts you had picked out for him and a few other people.

A few days past and you forget about it entirely. Things have been busy so you completely forgot to check when it was going to get to yours and Buck's shared apartment. Of course you and Evan had promised not to open each other's packages because of the fact that they could be Christmas presents for eachother so he brought the packages in when he got home from work and set them down on the kitchen island. He was shortly followed by you coming in about thirty minutes later with groceries. You look down at the table as you brought in the groceries in that were slowly cutting off your circulation to your fingers and remember exactly what you bought. The smile fills your face again prompting you to put groceries up as quickly as you can. You hear him holler that he's getting in the shower and shout back a word of acknowledgment.

Tearing open the white baggie with the Amazon logo across it that you were sure contained the little Santa dress, you find exactly what you ordered a skimpy little Santa dress that came with some cute little stockings as well as a Santa hat. Surprisingly it was a pretty good deal and the quality feels fairly nice and soft. So of course you slip into it while he's preoccupied, zipping it in the front where the zip was. Although it was odd that the zip was in front it didnt look bad at all and it fit surprisingly and exceedingly well.

The other gifts you set aside in their boxes so that you can wrap them at some other point right now that wasn't the priority in your mind. As soon as you heard that shower turn off your smile got bigger because this was either going to make him laugh, make him want to let him stress out in an entirely different way or he wasnt in the mood and would be annoyed. You knew that the last one that filled your mind would most likely be unlikely because even if he was feeling like shit he was always a kind, optimistic and easygoing person.

'Of course that is unless he's not thinking about curses.' You smiled as you thought to yourself about a few Halloween's ago when you were just friends and he was convinced he was cursed. You weren't certain about the idea of curses and such but so much had happened that Halloween for it to be even remotely coincidental.

The sound of him getting out of the shower breaks you from your thoughts. Once he leaves the shower and enters the bedroom you can see him with his back turned to you, the towel tied around his waist as he rummages through it to get boxers out of his dresser.

A sly and mischievous smile feels your lips as you put your arm against the doorway and slightly lean against it.

"Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho. I was making my list and checking it twice when I found-" You burst into giggles as soon as you see the smile graces his face as he turned his head to face you. You had never done this perfectly before, something about role-play sometimes just made you burst into laughter when you tried to be serious. You wete never making fun of anyone who did this more often when you laughed about it. You just relished in the fun of it and the thought of being able to play with Buck like this due to his accepting and kind nature.

"No, no. Continue." Evan stiffled a laugh and tried to hide a smile so bright and happy which made your confidence brighten a bit. God that smile meant the world and could make you feel like you were standing on air or it could bring you to your knees like a puddle.

"Well I was making a list and checking it twice when I found you had been put on the Naughty List. Have you been doing something that I'm on aware of Mr. Buckley?" You had taken a breath to stiffle your laugh before you started talking. The tone of your voice trying to be entirely serious and get into the role of 'Santa' a bit.

"I have been quite good this year, Santa..." his smile widened as he sauntered closer to you. Evan's hands quickly finding purchase on your hips, the soft almost velvety red fabric beneath his fingers. His smile widens as if it was even possible to get any wider as he starts gently massaging your hips before he brings his mouth down to your ear, his lips brushing against your skin.

"...but you know, my girlfriend...she definitely peer pressures me into a few naughty things here and there, Santa. I'm for sure she's on the naughty list but please, oh, please, for me, Santa put us both on the nice list. I'll do anything." He teasingly begs with a joking tone into your ear with a clear sound of lust and dominance gracing his tone.

Due to how tired he'd been it had been a bit since you had seen his dominant side but it was definitely here now, clear as day in his eyes as he is pushes you onto the bed before finding his way betwen your thighs using his right forearm to the side of your head to hold himself up above you. The last thing he'd ever want to do is squish you beneath him.

"Anything..." He whispers against your lips, a smile gracing both of your faces as he gently and languidly kisses you deeply. Your hands gently caressing his face and the slight stubble left there. He shaves in the mornings before work so it was quite common for him to have it most nights but you had never minded one bit.

"Dear Santa, think you could use a little naughty in your life..." Buck teased with a joking tone as he pushes his knee between your thighs and slightly into your core earning a moan that slipped so easily from your lips to between his, it had been a while so your body was already ready and excited for whatever his little mind concocted.

"See? What did I say?" He smirks at the sweet noise that escaped your lips. The towel around his waist very clearly slipping off his hip as he his brought his lips to the exposed cleavage the little Santa dress left uncovered. He slowly pulled at the zipper at the front of the dress exposing your breasts a bit more before attaching his lips gently around your nipple slowly rolling it around with his tongue. His knee slightly grinded into your core with a slow pace. Your hands found themselves in his wet hair gently massaging.

You could tell his was still tired and you didnt expect him to ravage you like a caveman and besides this gentle dominance was more intimate and close in your opinion than any hot rough sex you had ever had with anyone. Tender loving took more patience and care and Evan just loved taking care of you as you did him; Passionate and slow sex never failed to leave the both of you satisfied. You feel him start to move lower with his kisses as he slowly unzips the front of the dress working his way down and by the time he's nipped and kissed his way down to your panties you stop him.

"Ev, Baby...I want you, not your mouth." You said as you gently and kindly guided his mouth back up to yours and slowly removed the towel from his waist with one hand, letting it fall off the bed before wrapping your arms around his neck. The kiss was languid and soft as Buck held himself above you, still laying between your thighs. His free hand rubbing gently at your nipple, squeezing and massaging your breast earning a few more instinctual noises from you.

"I love you." You whispered, of course it felt random but you always felt the need to reassure him whenever you felt like saying it; you knew the stupid rule most people apparentally had said that you shouldn't say 'I love you' during sex or some shit but as stated before it was stupid. You never said I love you if you didnt mean to anyone let alone Evan. Buck wasn't just his body and you could understand the difference between love and lust. He regains your attention from your thoughts very quickly when he reaches down to rub your clit gently with his thumb though your panties earning a soft mew from your lips. Buck's smile just lights up at the sound.

"Jesus, Baby. You're so worked up, if I'd known you were so needy Id've-"

"Shhhh....Dont." You whisper gently cutting him off before kissing him. The last thing you needed was him blaming himself for you being a bit pent up.

You reached down finding him, gently stroking him, your thumb slightly brushing the tip of him earning the sweetest sounds from him. You reached down to yourself and moved your panties to the side before you slowly guided his body into yours. His eyes gazed into yours and yours back into his. The pace was slow and initmate, your arms wrapped around his torso as his hips deeply and languidly rocked into you. Your eyes not leaving his but for a few seconds on occasion to look down between the two of you as the both of you moan and whimpered in pure bliss of one another. His hair still wet as your hands worked their way through the strands gently in massaging his scalp.

With the way everything was stress-wise and as long as it had been, it was clear to both of you that you both would finish quicker than you would like on a night like this. Usually, the both of you on intimate nights could go for what felt like hours but it was clear both of you wouldnt be making it that long as his hips rocked into you with purpose and depth. Of course neither of you were upset about it, always just content to be with one another.

"I'm close, Baby. You want me to-"

"It's fine, I wanna feel you." You whisper against his lips as you cradled his head not wanting him to leave your body before he finishes this time. He continues the leisurely but deep pace of his him inside you as he feels your walls tighten around him.

"I'm-" You start but you're cut off by the sound of his voice.

"I know." He says gently with a smirk against your chest, that was one thing about Buck is somehow he could always tell exactly what to do with your body and exactly how it was going to react. It was refreshing the way he cared about you and the way he would always take care of you before even beginning to think about finishing himself. That band in your abdomen that had been building slowly snaps as a wave of white washes over you, your back upward so your chest is pressed to his. Evan moves his mouth back up to yours to capture the sound that was escaping your lips before groaning into your mouth with full satisfaction and pride.

After a few moments of silent slight panting as the both of you came down, you whisper to him "Merry Christmas, Baby." You smiled as you massaged his scalp, his body on you like a weighted blanket as you gently massaged drying hair.

"Am I on the Nice list now, Santa?" He smirks as he jokes.

"Well Naughty boys dont get presents and I'm sure you've earned at least a few." Smiling as you hold his face gently tracing that little bit of stubble again.

Masterlist

[bbyobbyo]

[12:44]

content: hurt/comfort, fluff, established relationship, body insecurity, dk must be protected

wc: 665

note: idk this is what i get for watching dk make one too many tummy jokes on gose (seungkwan ur on thin ice) im sorry everyone good night

You come home to see your boyfriend in front of the mirror.

“Hey babe,” you shout from the door. “How long have you been home? Did you eat yet?”

“I just got back from the gym with Jihoon and Mingyu and they were giving me all these tips but to be honest, I could barely keep up.”

“I'm pretty sure those two are aliens and do nothing but work out and dance” you laugh from the other room as you put down your stuff. “Maybe you should try working out with Vernon next time.”

What you thought was a lighthearted joke turns into something much more serious when you find your words met with a low hum instead of the beautiful chuckle you expected.

You knew this was a point of insecurity for him, you figured as much when he insists on keeping a shirt on at the pool or on the beach. Or when he shys away from you when changing, despite you having seen him naked many many times already.

But what you didn't realize how deep it cut on the days he couldn't make a joke about it and turn himself into the fool as he often does to lift everyone's mood.

You immediately drop everything you're doing and join your boyfriend in front of the mirror, hands wrapping around his middle as you nuzzle into his side.

“Tell me what's wrong, honey.”

There's a shallow sigh before he's able to speak, and you swallow in anticipation as you stare at him through the reflection of both of you.

He briefly flashes you one of his bright smiles in the mirror, the ones he knows you love so much, but this one doesn't quite reach his eyes.

“I know I don't have rock hard abs like Jihoon or Mingyu, but I'm working on it.”

You can hear your heart breaking in your chest as your boyfriend spills out his confession.

He's so strong, you think. Stronger than anyone you know. The type of man who wears his weaknesses proudly and has no problem taking the fall for others, yet stays optimistic in every breath, uplifting those who need it regardless if his own tank is filled.

“What are you even talking about, baby? I love your tummy.”

“I- I don't know… I just thought— because,”

His gaze lowers to his fingers intertwined and fidgeting as he struggles to find the words. He lightly gnaws on his bottom lip as he shakily continues, “You really liked when I was building my arm muscles and you were complimenting me on getting stronger so I just assumed that you wanted me to—”

He's hushed by your gentle palm cupping his jaw, lifting his eyes to meet yours.

“Oh darling,” your eyes swimming with emotion, “no, I never meant it like that,” you breathe out in an almost whisper.

“Yes, I love that you were getting stronger but that doesn't mean I don't think you're absolutely perfect the way you are.”

You see his pupils widen as he stares back at you, expression unreadable as he seemingly tries to process whether or not to believe your words.

“I can't expect you to stay the same, that would be selfish of me. People change all the time, and hopefully it's for the better. But no matter what you look like I will always, always, love you for you Seokmin. Don't ever assume for a second that my love for you depends on whether or not you look like Mingyu, alright?”

You catch a tear that slips down his cheek with the pad of your thumb. Although his sparkling brown eyes threaten to open the floodgates, his widening smile that replaces his earlier tight-lipped expression assures you that his mind is much clearer than before.

“And for what it's worth, I love kissing your tummy and I will likely be devastated even if it's replaced by a six pack.”

“Alright, I'll tell Jihoon no more ab exercises then.”